daniella

I mean traditional in that they are not necessarily interested in newer trends in anthropology--for example, at the undergrad level there are no classes on globalization, migration, etc. Also, almost the entire department (apart from lecturers) pretty much got their PhDs in the 70s and 80s.

I'm an undergrad at BU right now going to grad school next year somewhere else. Although I don't know that much from the grad school side of things, I do know the department. The department is a bit traditional, supposedly there are *some* grad students who graduate with a dissertation taking a functionalist approach, which hasn't been that great for their entry in the job market. But I think it also matters who you work with. It also is a four field school, so be prepared to take (and sometimes even teach!) classes outside your concentration. The department is very area oriented. Barfield is the Afghanistan person. Jenny White is the Turkey person. Both consider themselves the leader in their field. I know as an undergrad that grad students do end up taking classes with undergrads with slightly heavier work loads and extra meetings, so know that if you go to BU you might take a class with sophomores who know nothing about anthropology--however, that does not mean that the classes are bad. Boston is a great place to be though, great bar scene and BU is right in the center of town (although that means it has an "untraditional" campus). You're also right by Fenway Park and there's public transportation to go anywhere (unless you commute, you definitely don't need a car).